NHTSA vehicle safety data
2021 Audi S4 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2021 Audi S4 has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Audi dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2021 Audi S4, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2021 Audi S4 owner complaints
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Audi S4, describing incidents dated January 31, 2023 to September 10, 2025.
Most-cited components
- Electrical System 1 complaint
- Unknown or Other 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #11689741 · Filed
The contact owns a 2021 Audi S4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message "Drive System Malfunction - Please Contact Service" was displayed. In addition, the vehicle…
ODI #11504613 · Filed
2021 AUDI S4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-742. THE CONSUMER IS DISGUSTED AND DISATISFIED WITH THE AUDI SERVICE DEPARTMENT PROCEDURES FOR PERFORMING THE RECALLS.
Rearview Display Inoperative/FMVSS 111
NHTSA #22V742000 · Back Over Prevention — Display Function · NHTSA notice
Reported October 5, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 170,296 vehicles
Repair completion: 95.9% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 91DZ · Owners notified October 25, 2022
Defect description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Safety consequence
A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Rear Axle May Be Misaligned
NHTSA #22V034000 · Tires · NHTSA notice
Reported January 26, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 31,058 vehicles
Repair completion: 98.49% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 42L5 · Owners notified March 3, 2022
Defect description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Safety consequence
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208
NHTSA #21V606000 · Seat Belts — Rear/Other — Retractor · NHTSA notice
Reported August 5, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 45,496 vehicles
Repair completion: 98.51% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 69CR, 69CS · Owners notified August 27, 2021
Defect description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Safety consequence
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Rear Axle Lock Nuts May Break
NHTSA #21V295000 · Suspension — Rear — Axle — Non-Powered Axle Assembly · NHTSA notice
Reported April 26, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 40,993 vehicles
Repair completion: 98.66% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 42L1 · Owners notified June 4, 2021
Defect description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Safety consequence
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other Audi S4 model years
Check your 2021 Audi S4 VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Audi S4 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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